Accuracy of the Formation of Spatial Representations of Dynamic Scenes in Working Memory

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Abstract

The cognitive representation of the environment is formed using cognitive systems that process data on spatial representations of two types: egocentric, encoding the position of environmental objects relative to the observer, and allocentric, encoding the position of objects relative to each other, regardless of the position of the observer. Data on spatial representations were studied mainly in problems of memorization and reconstruction of static scenes. However, the task of processing information about dynamic scenes in everyday life has a higher ecological validity. We used HMD virtual reality technologies to study the accuracy of the formation of egocentric and allocentric spatial representations of static and dynamic scenes in working memory. The subjects were presented 8 three-dimensional virtual scenes of 4 objects each for 10 seconds in static and dynamic conditions for memorization and reconstruction. Identification accuracy (number of correctly reconstructed objects) and localization accuracy (accuracy of spatial scene reconstruction) were assessed. Localization accuracy was assessed in topological units, corresponding to the accuracy of the representation of the general configuration of objects in the scene (global topological information), and in metric units, corresponding to the accuracy of the representation of the spatial coordinates of each object (local metric information). The results showed that object identification accuracy was similar in static and dynamic conditions; the processes of encoding metric local information during the formation of both types of representations of dynamic scenes worsen compared to static ones; the accuracy of encoding topological global information remains stable compared to the static condition. We can conclude that the visual and spatial systems operate independently as part of a general cognitive system that processes data on spatial representations in time-limited working memory, as well as the redistribution of its resource in dynamic condition for supporting topological data of the holistic configuration of moving objects more, than metric data. The results highlight the importance of topological spatial characteristics of spatial representations for processes of early spatial perception, decision making, and action in the environment.

General Information

Keywords: dynamic scenes, egocentric and allocentric spatial representations, cognitive systems, working memory, virtual reality

Journal rubric: Cognitive Psychology

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2023160404

Funding. The work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 19-18-00474-П.

Received: 10.03.2023

Accepted:

For citation: Saveleva O.A., Menshikova G.Y., Bugriy G.S. Accuracy of the Formation of Spatial Representations of Dynamic Scenes in Working Memory. Eksperimental'naâ psihologiâ = Experimental Psychology (Russia), 2023. Vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 57–74. DOI: 10.17759/exppsy.2023160404. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

Olga A. Saveleva, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor of the Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Institute of Psychological and Social Work, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5993-747X, e-mail: savelevapsy@gmail.com

Galina Y. Menshikova, Doctor of Psychology, Head of the Laboratory, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5670-921X, e-mail: gmenshikova@gmail.com

Grigory S. Bugriy, Researcher, Laboratory of Mathematical Support for Simulation Dynamic Systems, Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6971-4189, e-mail: gregbugr@yandex.ru

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